Tourists normally are subject to a brief and informal baggage inspection when entering Mexico. There are limitations and restrictions on some items that you can bring into Mexico. Check with your nearest Mexican Consulate for a current list.

Customs Declaration Forms can be obtained from airlines or from the Customs Desk in Mexico.

Mexico has instituted a "European-style" customs inspection system, with a twist. Here is the way it works:

1. Visitors complete a customs declaration form.
2. Visitors choose to either declare or not declare that they are importing items beyond their allowance.

• Those declaring items have their belongings searched, and duty is collected
• Those not declaring items are asked to push a button on a street traffic light that is mounted on a post inside the customs area. A green light allows you to pass without inspection. A red light will signal an inspection.

...In the event that items are found that were not declared, heavy fines and penalties apply.

You are allowed to bring in any of the following:

• personal items, e.g. clothing, footwear, toiletries, all in reasonable quantities according to trip duration
• books and magazines
• medicine for personal use, with medical prescription in the case of psychotropic substances
• used or second-hand sporting equipment
• one portable T.V. set, and one portable typewriter
• up to 20 records or cassettes
• a musical instrument
• fishing equipment, a pair of skis, and two tennis rackets
• three liters of alcohol or wine, if over 18 years old
• 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars, if over 18 years old.
• one movie camera and one regular camera, and up to 12 rolls of film.

You are allowed to enter free of duty any purchases with a combined value of up $400. For Canada, the amount is $300, if travelers have been outside of Canada at least seven days. This allowance may be claimed every 30 days in the U.S., but only once every year into Canada. With a verbal declaration a returning Canadian resident can claim duty-free entry for articles (excluding tobacco products or alcoholic beverages) that do not exceed a total value of $20 upon return from each trip of more than 24 hours.

For the U.S. this limit does not include items listed on the Generalized System of Preferences List (G.S.D.), which are allowed in duty free. Contact the U.S. Treasury Department for a detailed list.

• Into the U.S. or Canada one litre of alcohol is allowed duty free. In some U.S. states additional bottles may be brought in if duty is paid, and you must be at least 21.
• U.S. duty is a flat 10% for the first $1,000 of items above your $400 allowance. Canada grants to residents who have been abroad at least 48 hours a special 20% tax rate on the first $300 value in goods, while regular duties apply on amounts over the initial $300.
• Canadian limitations: 50 cigars, 200 cigarettes, 14 ounces (400 grams) of tobacco, and 40 ounces (1.1 liters) of wine or liquor or 300 ounces (8.5 liters) of beer or ale. All exemptions are individual. For detailed information concerning specific duty rates and prohibited articles, consult Canadian Customs before leaving on your trip.

Note: be cautious of endangered species by products that you may be unknowingly bringing back to the U.S. Most common items include turtle products and alligator bags.